Found in ducts of breast and has the ability to spread i.e. HER2+ breast cancer
HER2+ breast cancers are of larger tumour size and higher grade and are more likely to have lymph node metastases
Pathmanathan N, Provan PJ, Mahajan H, et al. Characteristics of HER2-positive breast cancer diagnosed following the introduction of universal HER2 testing. Breast. 2012;21:724-729.
Invasive Lobular breast cancer
Cells found where milk is produced in breast
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
Typically occurs in younger patients, like this patient who was diagnosed in her 30s.
At a younger age one has more breast tissue to produce milk. The more breast tissue one has the more chance to get cancer and the also it is harder to spot the cancer.
As one gets older one has less milk producing glands (replaced by fat) and the easier it is to identify the cancer, hence most cancer is identified at an older age: 50 years and over.
Breast density- females who have more breast tissue have a higher chance of breast cancer and also it is harder to spot the cancer.
Family history of breast cancer:
The no. of relatives affected, particularly the same side of the family
Disease in both sides of affected relative(s)
Multiple cancer in affected relative(s)
Early onset of tumours (e.g. ovary, pancreas prostate, carcinoma, adrenal carcinoma) with in the family
Male breast cancer within the family
Known cancer genes within the family (BRCA1 carries 65-85% breast cancer risk and 40-50 cancer risk, BRCA2 carries 40-85% breast cancer risk and 10-25% ovarian risk others: TP53,PTEN and STK11)
Urgent Referral to Medical Doctor (including Inflammatory breast cancer)
Urgent referral is warranted when women who are 50 years of age or older present with nipple discharge or retraction in one nipple only or with any other concerning changes.
Women aged 30 years or older who present with an unexplained breast lump, with or without pain
Women aged 30 years or older who present with skin changes that are suggestive of breast cancer
Women aged 30 years or older who present with an unexplained lump in the axilla
Inflammatory breast cancer
Patients may present with a rapidly enlarging, erythematous (rash) breast without an underlying palpable mass.
Usually, there is a spreading colour change in one breast, typically evolving from pink to darker red in a mottled pattern.
Patient with a red breast include previous history of breast cancer, symptoms of mastitis in a non-lactating woman, and/or swollen glands and/or lymph-nodes (see picture above)
Crusting and retraction of nipples may or may not occur.
Do not wait to see a a medical doctor as, inflammatory breast cancer can exist with cancer that can spread to other parts of the body.
Confirmation is when:
Rapid onset of breast erythema, oedema and/or peau d’orange, and/or abnormal warmth with or without an underlying palpable mass
Duration of history no more than 6 months
Erythema occupying at least one third of the breast
Pathologic confirmation of invasive carcinoma (cancer)
Non-urgent referral should be considered when patients under the age of 30 years present with an unexplained breast lump with or without pain.
England’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), urgent referral (appointment within 2 weeks) for imaging and further evaluation for breast cancer
This cancer can always reoccur, constant checking is essential: it can occur locally in breast or one can have cancer in other parts of the body. If in doubt see your medical doctor
This condition can lead to spreading of cancer in other areas of the body (secondary breast cancer) by the time it is detected (stage 4):
Constant nausea (feeling sick)
General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (anxiety, stress and/or depression) and/or fatigue (tiredness)
Noncancerous condition can cause a variety of changes in the breasts, including the accumulation of water in the breast tissue.
When your breasts swell and fill with fluid, they’ll feel heavier than usual.
These changes can happen in one or both breasts.
They might occur every month at a certain point in your cycle or follow no discernable pattern.
In some cases, you might have constant symptoms.
Free-moving lumps
Pain or tenderness that’s often worse right before your period
Pain that extends into your armpit or down your arm
Appearance or disappearance of lumps or lumps that change size
Green or brown nipple discharge
As cysts appear and disappear in your breasts, they can cause a scarring and thickening of the breast tissue, called fibrosis (fibrosis). You can’t see these changes, but they can make your breasts feel lumpy or heavier than they used to.
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Breast Cancer in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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